Mali offers 3 million euros for capture of jihadist leader Iyad Ag Ghaly
The Malian authorities have announced a historic bounty of two billion West African CFA francs for any credible information leading to the capture or neutralization of Iyad Ag Ghaly, the elusive leader of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated armed faction. This unprecedented move follows a sharp escalation in violence across the country.
Iyad Ag Ghaly: the Sahel’s most wanted fugitive
The Malian government’s announcement, broadcast on national television, details a reward of two billion West African CFA francs—roughly three million euros—for any verifiable tip that leads to Iyad Ag Ghaly’s arrest or elimination. Once a Tuareg rebel leader, he now heads the JNIM, a coalition of Islamist militants waging a decade-long insurgency across the Sahel. Ag Ghaly faces United Nations sanctions, a U.S. bounty, and an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Six other armed group leaders targeted
In addition to Ag Ghaly, the Malian authorities have placed bounties on six other key figures. Among them are Amadou Kouffa, a senior JNIM commander, and leaders of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), Alghabass Ag Intalla and Bilal Ag Cherif. Bamako accuses these individuals of orchestrating and carrying out deadly attacks against state forces.
A response to intensified attacks
This crackdown comes just weeks after a coordinated assault in late April, when JNIM fighters—joined by FLA allies—struck multiple military positions across central and northern Mali. The offensive marked a significant escalation, resulting in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a pivotal figure in the transitional military regime.
- military junta Mali
- jihadist attacks Mali
- Mali
- Assimi Goïta
- JNIM
- Azawad Liberation Front
